Do you know that one of the easiest weight loss hacks is adding more complex carbs to the daily diet? Whenever we think of carbs, we think of calories. But that’s not entirely true. Carbs can be “good” or “bad” and complex carbs belong to the first category.
Why are complex carbs good for weight loss?
If you can focus on eating more “good” carbs, you can lose weight much faster. The trick is to know which these carbs are. Complex carbs are basically starches which contain long sugar molecular chains which the body must break down for energy. Since the body needs more time for digesting complex carbs, your stomach stays full for longer hours.
List of complex carbs to add to your diet for faster weight loss:
Quinoa: It comes in a mild flavor making it more palatable than other whole grains. It is a rich source of proteins and heart-healthy fats. Quinoa offers B vitamins and fiber making it a super food in all respects. You can easily include quinoa with walnuts and blueberries or apples in your breakfast, instead of your regular cereal.
Black Beans: This can be a perfect addition to home cooked lean proteins. This dark-colored legume is rich in anthocyanin, an antioxidant preventing cardiovascular diseases. Black beans are rich sources of proteins and fiber like peas, pinto beans, kidney beans, etc.
Whole grain breads: This provides you with the entire grain, including the endosperm, germ, and bran. The germ and bran cannot be found in refined grains. So, the next time you shop for bread, make sure to check it doesn’t have fructose corn syrup. The easiest way to add this to your daily diet is to toast a slice and smear it with peanut butter. This nutrient-dense meal is both wholesome and delicious, and can keep you feeling full for hours.
Oatmeal: Who hasn’t heard of oatmeal and bananas for breakfast? This popular meal shows you why this complex carb is such a hit with dieters. It has enough fiber to keep heart ailments at bay. Oats are loaded with both fiber and proteins and can crush your cravings for a long time.
Whole-Wheat Pasta: Unlike regular pasta made from white flour, this type has the grains’ bran and germ making it rich in essential proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To make the pasta sauce, you can throw in flax seeds for the extra healthy punch.
Millet: Meat millet can be the perfect go-to meal if you are sensitive to gluten. This grain is an excellent source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and rich in proteins.
Chickpeas: This tasty legume is a hit with kids and grownups alike. A single cup of chickpeas provides a high content of fiber and proteins. Besides, it is also rich in phosphate and calcium which promote bone health.
Sweet potatoes: The sugar in these is released gradually into the blood because of the fiber in it. This starchy vegetable is a rich source of Vitamin C and can strengthen immunity.
Barley: Switching from wheat to barley makes sense because it is equally high in minerals and vitamins. Barley is known to help dieters lose weight, keep their cholesterol levels in check, and hunger pangs at bay.
Add any of these to your meals and notice your weighing scale changing. The trick to losing the extra pounds isn’t skipping meals; it is in knowing which foods to eat and which to avoid.